As all of my Canadian peeps are more than aware, but my American peeps seem to be oblivious to.... All is NOT well in the state of Canadia. In fact, things seem a little un-democratic and slightly/grievously wrong. Our Conservative government (which currently holds the minority) is facing an uprising by our new Liberal/NDP/Bloc Quebecois Coalition, and is scrambling to get parliament suspended* for a few months until they can figure out wtf to do about it. (Yes, that was a very glossed-over synopsis... but in my opinion that's pretty much what's happening.)
So basically, it's a giant game of Survivor Canada up in the House of Commons... and Layton, Dion and Duceppe have formed an alliance to vote Harper off the island.
Anyways, my good friend Andrea sent along a hilarious link that explains, in American terms, what exactly is happening with your friendly neighbours to the north. So I urge all of my American friends to read THIS and learn about the Canadian government (which, contrary to popular belief, is NOT like Star Wars... although I'm sure Rick Mercer would have loved that comparison), and my Canadians out there should have a good chuckle over it.
*note: just after writing this post, I saw on CBC that the Governor General has decided to let Harper prorogue.... which means this could be an interesting next few months...
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cali Video UP!
Remember that fun and awesome trip I took out to the sunny coast of California? Well along with all my pictures I made a fantastically propaganda-ish video for the communications department, which has FINALLY been posted. Check it out here. Feel free to rave about my mad videography skillz.
(PS: I'm being *sarcastic*, not conceited. Anybody who knows me well (or even a little bit) will know that, however I figure it just comes off egotistical to people who don't know me... so consider yourselves informed.)
(PS: I'm being *sarcastic*, not conceited. Anybody who knows me well (or even a little bit) will know that, however I figure it just comes off egotistical to people who don't know me... so consider yourselves informed.)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Good Little Enviro-Kids Recycle...
...Which is why I'm posting this entry, which was originally meant for my other blog. You know, the one I write for the Nick School. However I wasn't completely happy with it, and ended up doing a complete rewrite (which you can see on the Nick School blog site, hopefully within the next few days). But I also have this disease where I don't like to just scrap anything that I write, so you (my faithful blog readers) will be subjected to my "From the Trenches" blog rejects. Enjoy!
Black Friday – The Most Sinister Day of the Year
If we were to arrange a face-off between Black Friday and Boxing Day, the two most violent-sounding shopping days in North America… who would win?
Now, for all you people who are scratching your heads, wondering “what is Boxing Day?”, let me explain. Boxing Day is our backwards Canadian version of Black Friday, which is celebrated the day after Christmas by most of the British Commonwealth. Opposite to Black Friday, which traditionally marks the opening of the Christmas shopping season in the U.S., December 26th (and usually the full week after) marks the time when Canadians can gather all their gift cards and money from relatives, take stock of what is under the tree, then go out and buy what they really wanted. Reindeer sweaters and pink fuzzy socks get pushed into a corner until the time they can be returned, or maybe passed on to the homeless man on the street who probably doesn’t care that they are “soooo last year…”
Truthfully, the idea of these mass-sale “holidays” has never appealed to me. The sinister names themselves are enough to turn me off, conjuring images of black-eyes and boxing-gloved sale seekers. And then there are the line-ups and the unfriendly crowds… and the environmentalist in me doesn’t even want to think of all the extra waste we’re creating. All those plastic shopping bags, and receipts, and gift boxes… not to mention all the extra heat released into the atmosphere by all those shoppers burning up their credit cards. *Shudder*
The part that I find most disheartening, though, is how selfish these “holidays” have become. Historically, Boxing Day was celebrated as far back as the Middle Ages as a day to give a little something to the less fortunate. The term itself comes from the boxes of food and clothes that would be distributed to the poor of the communities, or the box of tips that would be split amongst hardworking vendors, or the “Christmas Box” or bonus that employers would give to their overworked employees. Yet somehow, this “holiday” has turned into an opportunity for people to get the best deals on junk they don’t actually need. When did everything become so commercial?
Now, I’m not trying to be preachy. I know all about excess (and anybody who’s seen my closet can confirm that fact). All I’m saying is, while you’re out in the crowds, your blood racing at the prospect of how much money you’re saving, take a second to stop and think. Do you really need that V-neck sweater in three colours? Is it necessary or practical to get a second iPod (even if it does match your new “so cute!” red jacket)? And, seriously, are you ever going to wear those blue hounds-tooth knee-high boots?
Maybe, just maybe, your money would be worth saving until something you actually want comes along. Maybe that $50 from Aunt Ida could be put to better use than buying yet another Rockband game (which, admit it, you haven’t had time to play much of anyway…) Maybe it could buy some food and warm clothes for the less fortunate instead. Maybe the homeless man on the corner (yes, the one you gave that hideous reindeer sweater to) could have a warm meal this Christmas. Maybe the girl you passed by on the street with the emaciated puppy could use a coffee and a bag of dog food. Maybe you can help someone who actually needs it. And maybe you’ll even feel good about it.
Just maybe…
Black Friday – The Most Sinister Day of the Year
If we were to arrange a face-off between Black Friday and Boxing Day, the two most violent-sounding shopping days in North America… who would win?
Now, for all you people who are scratching your heads, wondering “what is Boxing Day?”, let me explain. Boxing Day is our backwards Canadian version of Black Friday, which is celebrated the day after Christmas by most of the British Commonwealth. Opposite to Black Friday, which traditionally marks the opening of the Christmas shopping season in the U.S., December 26th (and usually the full week after) marks the time when Canadians can gather all their gift cards and money from relatives, take stock of what is under the tree, then go out and buy what they really wanted. Reindeer sweaters and pink fuzzy socks get pushed into a corner until the time they can be returned, or maybe passed on to the homeless man on the street who probably doesn’t care that they are “soooo last year…”
Truthfully, the idea of these mass-sale “holidays” has never appealed to me. The sinister names themselves are enough to turn me off, conjuring images of black-eyes and boxing-gloved sale seekers. And then there are the line-ups and the unfriendly crowds… and the environmentalist in me doesn’t even want to think of all the extra waste we’re creating. All those plastic shopping bags, and receipts, and gift boxes… not to mention all the extra heat released into the atmosphere by all those shoppers burning up their credit cards. *Shudder*
The part that I find most disheartening, though, is how selfish these “holidays” have become. Historically, Boxing Day was celebrated as far back as the Middle Ages as a day to give a little something to the less fortunate. The term itself comes from the boxes of food and clothes that would be distributed to the poor of the communities, or the box of tips that would be split amongst hardworking vendors, or the “Christmas Box” or bonus that employers would give to their overworked employees. Yet somehow, this “holiday” has turned into an opportunity for people to get the best deals on junk they don’t actually need. When did everything become so commercial?
Now, I’m not trying to be preachy. I know all about excess (and anybody who’s seen my closet can confirm that fact). All I’m saying is, while you’re out in the crowds, your blood racing at the prospect of how much money you’re saving, take a second to stop and think. Do you really need that V-neck sweater in three colours? Is it necessary or practical to get a second iPod (even if it does match your new “so cute!” red jacket)? And, seriously, are you ever going to wear those blue hounds-tooth knee-high boots?
Maybe, just maybe, your money would be worth saving until something you actually want comes along. Maybe that $50 from Aunt Ida could be put to better use than buying yet another Rockband game (which, admit it, you haven’t had time to play much of anyway…) Maybe it could buy some food and warm clothes for the less fortunate instead. Maybe the homeless man on the corner (yes, the one you gave that hideous reindeer sweater to) could have a warm meal this Christmas. Maybe the girl you passed by on the street with the emaciated puppy could use a coffee and a bag of dog food. Maybe you can help someone who actually needs it. And maybe you’ll even feel good about it.
Just maybe…
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Realization of the Day
When you take to discussing with yourself OUT LOUD the pros and cons of taking a nap, then start bargaining with yourself OUT LOUD about what you'll get done later if you take a nap now.... you probably need the nap.
Or a lobotomy.
Or a lobotomy.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
A Lesson in Commenting
I've had several people mention to me that posting comments on my blog is somewhat confusing... So I decided to post a quick little comment lesson for all my non-blogging friends. Learning to comment is very simple, and takes only four quick and easy steps:
1. Type your comment in the "Leave your comment" box.
2. In the "Word Verification" box, retype the word you see floating above it. (This step is to ensure that I don't get spam in my comments section)
3. Under the "Choose an identity" section, click the little circle next to "Anonymous". No, you don't have to have an account to leave a message... I know most people don't, so I set it so that anyone can comment. Just make sure to leave your name, so I know who's posting!
4. Click the bright orange "Publish your comment" button. Doing this will post your comment to my blog, and allow me to read it.
Thanks for your time, and happy commenting!
1. Type your comment in the "Leave your comment" box.
2. In the "Word Verification" box, retype the word you see floating above it. (This step is to ensure that I don't get spam in my comments section)
3. Under the "Choose an identity" section, click the little circle next to "Anonymous". No, you don't have to have an account to leave a message... I know most people don't, so I set it so that anyone can comment. Just make sure to leave your name, so I know who's posting!
4. Click the bright orange "Publish your comment" button. Doing this will post your comment to my blog, and allow me to read it.
Thanks for your time, and happy commenting!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
You Know You Need A Break When...
1. You get halfway through doing something and forget what exactly it is you’re trying to get done. Then 10 minutes later you realize you’re not wearing any pants.
2. The thought of checking your school email account in the mornings causes your whole body to slow down, your stomach to tie itself into a knot and drop about a foot, and a sinister organ-solo reminiscent of Beethoven’s 5th to start playing in your brain.
3. Your “break” during the day is to go to the coffee shop, grab a latte, and settle in with your pile of homework that needs to get done before the next class, so you can spend the time after that class finishing off the homework they just assigned.
4. You get great satisfaction out of planning your week and realizing that if you stay up half an hour later each night, you may actually get everything done.
5. You get even greater satisfaction out of crossing things off your list… and sometimes throw in a few things you’ve already done, just to make yourself feel better.
6. You get completely frustrated with your homework after spending literally an entire day doing GIS, and vow at 9:00 pm to go to bed. Instead, you end up at a friend’s house working on an assignment until after 12:30.
7. You get halfway through writing a list of reasons you need a break (while you should be working on your GIS lab and printing off notes for the class that starts in an hour and a half) and you realize that you forgot to put on a shirt. Damn.
8. Grocery shopping becomes a luxury instead of a necessity.
9. You wake up to your alarm clock beeping, and your fuzzy mind decides it doesn’t want to hit the button, just in case it erases the horribly long equation you accidentally deleted three times already the night before… when in fact you entered the equation into an excel spreadsheet, and NOT into your alarm clock.
10. You take the time to write a list about how you need a break, laugh hysterically because you think you’re so witty (when, in fact, it’s not all that funny…), and then cry a little because it’s all true.
2. The thought of checking your school email account in the mornings causes your whole body to slow down, your stomach to tie itself into a knot and drop about a foot, and a sinister organ-solo reminiscent of Beethoven’s 5th to start playing in your brain.
3. Your “break” during the day is to go to the coffee shop, grab a latte, and settle in with your pile of homework that needs to get done before the next class, so you can spend the time after that class finishing off the homework they just assigned.
4. You get great satisfaction out of planning your week and realizing that if you stay up half an hour later each night, you may actually get everything done.
5. You get even greater satisfaction out of crossing things off your list… and sometimes throw in a few things you’ve already done, just to make yourself feel better.
6. You get completely frustrated with your homework after spending literally an entire day doing GIS, and vow at 9:00 pm to go to bed. Instead, you end up at a friend’s house working on an assignment until after 12:30.
7. You get halfway through writing a list of reasons you need a break (while you should be working on your GIS lab and printing off notes for the class that starts in an hour and a half) and you realize that you forgot to put on a shirt. Damn.
8. Grocery shopping becomes a luxury instead of a necessity.
9. You wake up to your alarm clock beeping, and your fuzzy mind decides it doesn’t want to hit the button, just in case it erases the horribly long equation you accidentally deleted three times already the night before… when in fact you entered the equation into an excel spreadsheet, and NOT into your alarm clock.
10. You take the time to write a list about how you need a break, laugh hysterically because you think you’re so witty (when, in fact, it’s not all that funny…), and then cry a little because it’s all true.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Playing Catch-up
Alright folks, just a few house-keeping type tidbits that I've been meaning to post but just haven't had the chance to (however right now I'm sitting in the library, waiting for a royalty-free music file to download so I can finish working on my video for the communications department, so I figured it would be a good time). Here goes:
1. I have a new blog. Yes, you heard me right... I'm now getting paid to blog for the Nicholas School (the environmental school at Duke) to attract prospective students. If you really feel like you just can't get enough of me, and want to read my somewhat propaganda-ish attempts to attract new students, you can find it here . As always, comments are welcome... however, since it's a school-based blog, and it's meant for incoming students, please keep any personal comments confined to this site! (I want to keep that one relatively professional)
2. I've decided to give the Flickr thing another try... (originally I wasn't fond of the monthly upload limit, so I didn't bother adding any photos). I've just got random stuff up right now, but I'll try to post any of my new/exciting pictures there for folks to see, since many of you probably have accounts (or at least a lot of the family does, as far as I know). Find me here! (And friend me, too... so far I only have one friend, and that makes me le sad.)
3. I'm hoping to make it home Dec. 10th or so, and will be sticking around the Ottawa area until Jan. 5th or 6th I think, so hopefully I'll get to see a lot of you fine people (or at least those who are still in the area...) Give me a shout and we'll set something up!
4. My recent mind-blowing realization: In the past 3 weeks, I have seen the sun set over the Pacific ocean, and over the Atlantic ocean. I've decided to provide some evidence, firstly because I barely believe it myself, and secondly because it's just plain purty.
Pacific Sunset:
Atlantic Sunsets:
Compare and Contrast.
That's all for now!
1. I have a new blog. Yes, you heard me right... I'm now getting paid to blog for the Nicholas School (the environmental school at Duke) to attract prospective students. If you really feel like you just can't get enough of me, and want to read my somewhat propaganda-ish attempts to attract new students, you can find it here . As always, comments are welcome... however, since it's a school-based blog, and it's meant for incoming students, please keep any personal comments confined to this site! (I want to keep that one relatively professional)
2. I've decided to give the Flickr thing another try... (originally I wasn't fond of the monthly upload limit, so I didn't bother adding any photos). I've just got random stuff up right now, but I'll try to post any of my new/exciting pictures there for folks to see, since many of you probably have accounts (or at least a lot of the family does, as far as I know). Find me here! (And friend me, too... so far I only have one friend, and that makes me le sad.)
3. I'm hoping to make it home Dec. 10th or so, and will be sticking around the Ottawa area until Jan. 5th or 6th I think, so hopefully I'll get to see a lot of you fine people (or at least those who are still in the area...) Give me a shout and we'll set something up!
4. My recent mind-blowing realization: In the past 3 weeks, I have seen the sun set over the Pacific ocean, and over the Atlantic ocean. I've decided to provide some evidence, firstly because I barely believe it myself, and secondly because it's just plain purty.
Pacific Sunset:
Atlantic Sunsets:
Compare and Contrast.
That's all for now!
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